Carolyn Pickard Handy

Carolyn Pickard Handy died on December 2, 2017. A memorial gathering will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 9, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. She was born March 17, 1926 in Meridian, Mississippi to Marvin E. and Mary Allie (Smith) Pickard. She grew up in Meridian and graduated high school there. She spent a year at the University of Mississippi before marrying Ellsworth A. Handy. In 1946, they moved to Hinsdale, Illinois, where her three children were born and raised. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and St. Joseph, Michigan before settling down on a small farm in Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Carolyn raised Arabian horses and pursued a career in art. She also opened a retail shop. In 1996, she completed her college education at Western Illinois University and then earned a Master’s degree in English. She taught in community colleges until she was 82 years old. In 2009, she moved to Bismarck where she was active in the arts community and volunteered at the Heritage Center. She remained in good health and active until a short time before her death. Carolyn is survived by her three children, Pamela (Gary) Allison, Weatherford, Texas; Barbara (Marty) Handy-Marchello, Bismarck, and David (Susan) Handy, Lewistown, Illinois, four grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Marvin S. Pickard; and one grandson.